DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER

Posted on Dec 15, 2015

Thomasville Police Department, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, has a message for you: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” Because the holiday travel peiod is such a dangerous time on Georgia roads, law enforcement agencies statewide will be actively searching for and arresting impaired drivers December 16, 2015 through January 1, 2016.

Chief of Police Troy Rich said that each year, many of our citizens take to the roadways in order to be with family and friends during the holidays.

“This is why Thomasville Police Department is participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign and ramping up our DUI enforcement efforts,” Rich said. “It is our duty to keep everyone safe.”

The reason for the campaign is all too clear. Last year, there were 14 traffic deaths between 6:00 pm on December 24 to midnight on December 28. During all of 2014, there were 8,931 alcohol-involved traffic crashes in Georgia that resulted in 5,250 injuries and 165 deaths.

“We want people to make it to their family and friends safetly so they can celebrate the holiday season,” said GOHS Director Harris Blackwood. “That’s why we’re warning people who will be out celebrating that Georgis is a zero tolerance state. If caught driving impaired, you will be arrested and you will go to jail; no exceptions.”

GOHS is also reminding Georgia motorists that a sober ride home is always within their reach by downloading “Drive Sober, Georgia,” the free smart phone app available for Apple and Android devices. The app lists both paid and free sober ride programs which are available statewide. Free sober rides home are also available through Checker Cab and AAA’s “Tow To Go” from Christmas Eve through January 2, 2016.

In addition, GOHS is reminding all sober motorists to remain alert during the holidays. If you see a drunk driver on the road, report it right away by calling 9-1-1 or dialing *GSP on your cell phone, which will connect you to the nearest state patrol post. Also, if you know someone has been drinking and is about to get behind the wheel, take away their car keys.

We’ve got to work together to make our roads safer during the holidays and year-round,” Chief Rich said. “So be sure to find a sober ride home ahead of time, program taxi numbers into your phone or be the designated driver yourself.”